N. CA Maps

[squidhunter]

Does anyone know what the best maps are for N.CA? Somthing I can take along with me on rides, and put in my tankbag? Eventually, I will get the Microsoft mapping program and GPS, but till then I need the old fashioned maps. Also, were can I purchase the maps (in San Jose). Thanks

[ekaphoto]

Originally Posted by squidhunter

Does anyone know what the best maps are for N.CA? Somthing I can take along with me on rides, and put in my tankbag? Eventually, I will get the Microsoft mapping program and GPS, but till then I need the old fashioned maps. Also, were can I purchase the maps (in San Jose). Thanks

AAA

[motowriter]

I like the county level maps from Compass. They have a good amount of detail on smaller back roads. I hear that the BLM and Forest Dept.'s issue even more detailed maps, but I've not picked up any, so can't say from my own experience.

G

[Invisigoth]

I have a bunch of maps in my tank bag, but the one I use the most is the AAA BAY AND MOUNTAIN SECTION map. It goes as far south as Monterey and as far north as Fort Brag. It shows Tahoe, Yosemite, and Kings Canyon to the east. I also have the AAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA map if I head further north.

Many of my rides go through Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Lake & Mendocino counties, so the county maps don't help me too much.

[pashnit]

Originally Posted by Gary

I like the county level maps from Compass. They have a good amount of detail on smaller back roads.

Robert, when I first moved here, someone gave me an old Thomas Guide and I used that till it literally was in tatters.

I've learned over the years that the AAA ones are the most detailed, and the closest indicators if something is paved or dirt. I believe there are 4 for the state. I like 'em so much, for the Pashnit Tours, I simply photocopy the map and hand it out to the tour participants on the first day of the ride.

When I'm exploring though, I don't use the AAA maps unless I'm covering vast distances (400 mile backroad days). Instead I try to use the county level maps instead by Compass Maps as Gary mentioned.

I've sort of gleaned quite a collection of them. I think I have one for every single county in all of California. You can imagine, I have quite a few- a drawer full just of california. Allows me to look up any road in the state with ease.

I know that if I go off the Compass County level map, I'll be on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere though. So you dual sport folks need another solution.

[pashnit]

Example of the detail on a Compass Map (county level). You get these at gas stations, and even bookstores like Barnes & Nobles. Have spent years aquiring one for every county in the state. Run about $4 apiece.

[pashnit]

Only downside to the Compass Maps is if you really get up into the mountains, you can see the roads are denoted by Forest Road #'s (on the map above).

When you get to the actual road - they are also marked with a 2nd system for all these forest roads. These are not on either map. That's when you'd need something even more detailed. If I was doing the dual-sport thing - that's the direction I'd have to go.

I probably will never own a GPS, and I hate not knowing exactly where I am.

(Note the bullet holes)

[kluts]

I look at AAA maps most of the time, this website, and then commit all this to memory and then I ride there. I commit it to memory either way because I can't remember where I put the maps!

Like Tim, I'm not sure I would want a GPS-- that would tell me how far-out lost I really am.

[squidhunter]

You guys rock
I'm just starting to get into sport-touring after several years of strictly sport riding, and loving every mile. It looks like I'll be starting my own map collection very soon. Thanks guys

As for bullet holes, check this out:
From last weekends ride. Somewhere in the Quincy area...

[ekaphoto]

If you are doing dual sport rides, each NF has its own map. Get one for the specific NF you are going to be in. It shows the roads, gates etc in the NF area.